BUSINESSES in the Mallee are among the big winners in the Morrison Government’s big-spending budget this week.
Member for Mallee Anne Webster said the government’s focus was about “economic recovery from the pandemic” and “making sure our businesses can not only survive, but thrive into the future”.
Local businesses will receive more support to employ apprentices and the instant asset write-off program is set to be extended until March 31 next year.
“In the Mallee, we have 2155 apprentices already supported through the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy program,” Dr Webster said.
“This program means businesses can take on two apprentices for the price of one.
“With the instant asset write-off, there are 20,900 businesses in the Mallee that can access it for any asset they purchase, from tractors for farmers, to ovens for a bakery and utes for a tradie.
“This is an incredibly important measure and will continue to help our local businesses.”
Another key business measure rolled out in the budget was $84.8 million for “regional connectivity”.
There are 540 black spots across the Mallee that Dr Webster is pushing to get fixed.
“I’ve been talking with the Communications Minister Paul Fletcher about this, because I’m really keen to see greater equity of access for people across the Mallee,” the Nationals MP said.
On the health front, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg revealed there would be $65.8 million to increase the Medicare rural bulk-billing base rate from 150 per cent up to 180 per cent.
“The rural bulk-billing incentive for doctors is useful and will see doctors rewarded for working in the country,” Dr Webster said.
“We’re also investing $9.6 million into 90 workforce packages (across the nation) for the allied health rural generalist pathways.
“There’s another $1.8 million to expand the trial of collaborative care models, which is already occurring NSW and I want it in the Mallee.”
There was also $204 million allocated in the budget to improve telehealth services.
“In the Mallee since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve had 417,879 telehealth consultations, which is hugely significant and shows how important telehealth has become,” Dr Webster said.
The aged care sector will see a big boost with $17.7 billion total spending on key measures such as additional home-care packages nationally and funding to train workers in the industry.
The Mallee also received a $37.7 million boost under the local roads and community infrastructure program which forces councils to “use it or lose it”.
Mildura Rural City Council will receive $5.4 million and Swan Hill Council $2.9 million to upgrade local roads.
“This budget injection for our hard-working local councils means even more funding for upgrades to local roads, bike paths, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities, as well as improved accessibility to public facilities,” Dr Webster said.
There will also be $15 million to upgrade the Calder Highway upgrade from Bendigo to Mildura.
Dr Webster said the tax cuts for 59,500 low to middle-income earners in the Mallee would mean savings of $1000 for individuals and $2160 for couples each year.
The government is also boosting environmental initiatives with $400 million for a “more secure and resilient” biosecurity system.
“This will literally protect our farmers in the Mallee, whether it’s from citrus canker for our citrus industry or from African swine fever in our piggeries,” Dr Webster said.
“These are incredibly severe threats and can wipe out industries.”
